Marine Sonar Orientation Device with Rotating Transducer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sonar systems face challenges in simplifying the ease of use, particularly in adjusting the direction of sonar transmission to obtain desired orientations, limiting their effectiveness in providing accurate underwater environment imaging.

Innovation Solution

A sonar system with an orientation device that allows for 360-degree rotation and up to 180-degree pivoting of the transducer assembly, enabling intuitive orientation changes through a handle mechanism connected to a shaft, and a marine electronics device that processes sonar return data to generate a live, two-dimensional sonar image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single linear sonar transducer is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to produce comprehensive underwater images is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransducer assembly complexityVSAvoidunderwater imaging capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple linear sonar transducers into a single array assembly, merging their individual imaging capabilities to produce comprehensive two-dimensional underwater images. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining relatively simple individual transducer elements while achieving versatile imaging through their integrated arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transducer array assembly provides multiple functions by detecting various underwater objects (fish, structure, bottom terrain) and producing different types of sonar images (one-dimensional and two-dimensional). This multi-functionality approach allows a single device to replace multiple specialized transducers, resolving the versatility limitation without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If the transducer assembly is fixed in orientation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation for adjusting transmission direction is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation mechanism complexityVSAvoidtransmission direction adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic orientation capabilities by allowing the transducer assembly to rotate and pivot through mechanical mechanisms. This enables the transmission direction to be adjusted easily during operation, resolving the contradiction between fixed simplicity and operational flexibility. The dynamic system maintains relatively simple mechanics while providing versatile directional control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If historical slices are compiled to form images, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity for real-time detection is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage processing complexityVSAvoidreal-time image generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous real-time sonar imaging by having the transducer array continuously emit sonar signals and update images with each ping. This eliminates the need to compile historical slices, providing continuous real-time feedback while maintaining manageable processing complexity through streamlined data flow from multiple transducers directly to image generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enhances the user's ability to easily maneuver the sonar system, providing a live, updated image of the underwater environment with improved orientation capabilities, allowing for more effective detection of objects and topography.

Implementation Method 1

Sonar transducer elements convert electrical energy into sound or vibrations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroacoustic conversion:

Implementation Method 2

The transducer elements receive the reflected sound as sonar returns and convert the sound energy into electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustoelectric conversion:

Implementation Method 3

The orientation device is able to rotate 360 degrees about a shaft, and pivot up to 180 degrees or more under the watercraft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Data Source

PatentUS11796661B2Orientation device for marine sonar systems

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 NAVICO INC

AI summary

A sonar system for a watercraft, including a shaft defining a top and a bottom end. The system includes a first attachment operatively connected to the top end of the shaft, and a second attachment operatively connected to the bottom end of the shaft including a transducer assembly. The first attachment defines a first member pivotably connected to the top end of the shaft, and a handle member rotatably attached about the first member. The second attachment defines a second member pivotably connected to the bottom end of the shaft, and a bracket member rotatably attached about the second member. The system comprises a first connector extending between the first and second members and configured to cause reciprocal movement between the first and second members. The system comprises a second connector extending between the first and second members and configured to cause reciprocal rotation between the first and second members.